Cantor Fitzgerald has announced the creation of a new alternative investment and advisory business—Cantor Investment Advisors—which will be led by Stephen Ardizzoni.

“Stephen’s vision, expertise and experience position him extremely well to develop this business,” said Shawn Matthews, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and Co. “Our clients have asked for this capability and we’re pleased that Steve is on board to drive it ahead.”

Cantor Fitzgerald is beefing up many of its units, especially in regards to hedge funds. The firm has added over one hundred sales and trading professionals over the past year, and just last summer the firm added a prime brokerage platform to its line of offerings.

“The need has never been greater from clients who seek exposure to hedge funds and other alternative assets to have an advisor who is truly capable of providing expertise in these opportunities through real world optics and experience,” said Ardizzoni. "Joining Cantor's team is exciting and it will enable us to deliver a comprehensive solution to clients who have or seek exposure to alternative assets."

Prior to Cantor Fitzgerald, Ardizzoni was global head of research for Union Bancaire Privee Alternative Investments, the largest investor in hedge funds globally and earlier served as global head of credit and event strategies responsible for $15 billion of the firm’s assets. While at Union Bancaire Privee, Ardizzoni also served on several advisory boards including Ichan Partners.